simple kit

by Carl Rooker
(Michigan)

I like to go with the kits you put together yourself. Instead of someone else deciding what you need you decide it yourself. Everyone is different, and a mass produced kit cannot take into account the many variables that each situation and person calls for.

For my most basic kit I start with my boot laces. I get rid of the ones that came with the boot, and replace them with the 7 strand para-cord. Here is why;

1. Para-cord will last a lot longer than normal boot laces. It stands up to the weather better too.

2. Boot laces are about 3 feet long. So a 7 strand para-cord used as boot laces will have 21 feet of 35 pound test line. This can be used as bindings, fish line, snares, trout lines, trap lines, to help build shelters, and many other things. One of the strands can even be used for boot laces, or the outer sheath can be used as such.

3. Since the para-cord/boot laces are installed in the boot, there is no way you will leave them at home, unless you go barefoot.

The next part of the kit is a home made set of dog tags. I make these using the personal information on paper, and then laminating the paper in plastic. Include your name, address, home or emergencty phone number, medical conditions and any other information a rescuer may need to help you if you are incapacitated.

Now, on the back of one of the tags (before lamination) I put a piece of aluminum foil. This will act as a reflector that can be used for signaling. It is not the brightest shine, but it will reflect sunlight for signaling. On the back of the second tag I place fish line, 2 fish hooks, 2 paper matches and a striker. I then use an iron to heat seal the pieces of plastic together.


I again use a 2 foot piece of para-cord for the necklace. For the same reasons I use para-cord for boot laces.

Lastly I attach a whistle (for audible signaling) that has a compass and thermometer on it. This particular whistle also has a led light.

Of course, you should always carry a folding knife or multitool when ever you go into the wild.

Now, I realize that this is not a complete kit. However, if this was all you had you would have all of the tools necessary to;

1. Start a fire
a. to treat water
b. cook food
c. keep warm
d. signal visually
2. Catch fish
3. Make snares and trip wires for traps
4. Make many kinds of field expedient weapons and tools
5. Signal for help with sunlight
6. Signal audibly over a much greater distance than you can yell.
7. Have a compass for finding directions.
8. Have lashings to help make shelter.
9. See in the dark
10. Signal in the dark

And much more.

Remember, this is a last chance kit. You should always carry better kits, but if you should become separated from your gear, this simple necklace and bootlace arrangement would be invaluable.